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There was animal magic as Sanctuary Care home residents in Basingstoke received a visit from a rather unusual collection of critters.

The array of creatures, including creepy crawlies and furry friends, were the star attraction at Basingfield Court Residential Care Home on Huish Lane, as residents enjoyed an animal-handling show.

Getting up close

Getting up close, residents and the team held and stroked snakes, giant snails and many more fascinating creatures as well as rabbits and gerbils from Zoolab – who provide live animal-handling workshops across the UK.

The trained ranger, who brought the animals to the Basingstoke home, was also on hand throughout the interactive session to answer any of the residents’ questions and share interesting facts about the animals.

A visit to remember

Commenting on the home’s scaly visitors, 94 year-old Grace Springthorpe said: “They were so beautiful! I really enjoyed the experience and hope Zoolab return for another visit.”

99 year-old Victor Bulpitt, who couldn’t stop giggling as a millipede climbed up his arm added: “It was the best afternoon at the best care home in the world!”

The home’s activities leader Tracy Mercer concluded: “Our residents thought it was wonderful! I can’t believe how brave they all were, holding the snake and millipede; I was glad to just be observing!